Trees

Native Trees and Shrubs

It is important to plant trees that are suitable to local environmental site conditions. Where possible always use native species.

Native trees and shrubs:

• support a wider range of plants and animals than introduced species
• maintain local character and conservation value
• are better adapted to and thrive in particularly harsh local conditions
• are more likely to survive and flourish than most introduced species.

Tree Felling

Forestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework. This is necessary in order to protect forests and also to ensure that forestry operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management. A felling licence granted by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides authority under the Forestry Act 2014 to fell or otherwise remove a tree or trees and to thin a forest for silvicultural reasons.

The Department of Agriculture provide a clear understanding of the circumstances where tree removal or felling is permitted on their website.

Hedgerows

Hedgerows are an important habitat for many species in County Meath. Please see below for information on the value of hedgerows, and how best to conserve and rejuvenate them

Balrath Wood

An example of a Neighbourwood in Co. Meath is Balrath Wood.  The 50 acre woodland, has been developed through funding from the Forest Service NeighbourWood Scheme and Meath County Council as an amenity and educational resource.  In recent years, nature trails, car parking, picnic and interpretation facilities have been developed and the site is currently utilised as an ‘outdoor classroom’. Further information is available at http://balrathwoods.com/